New Zealand believe they can still win the first Test in Chittagong despite Bangladesh going close to their first innings total with only two days left in the match.
Bangladesh, replying to New Zealand’s first innings total of 469, cruised to 380-7 at close of play on the third day, still trailing the visitors by 89 runs.Though no specialist batsman left to prolong New Zealand’s wait for the second innings, Bangladesh were eying to bat at least one more session, which will not only minimize New Zealand’s advantage, but will also kill some valuable time.
With the wicket showing little signs of cracking up, the visitors then must ponder their own safety before setting Bangladesh a target in whatever time they might get.
Opening batsman Hamish Rutherford said they can take 10 Bangladeshi wickets in the second innings provided they get two-and-a-half sessions on the final day.
‘I think we still are in a very good position,’ Rutherford said after the third day’s play. ‘The pitch is very flat and it hasn’t broken up as much as everyone would have thought.
‘So leading into tomorrow [today] 89 runs ahead, couple of wickets early would put us in a very good state.
‘If we can take these wickets early tomorrow, get out there and score some early runs, hopefully the pitch can help us take those wickets,’ he said.
Rutherford backed their two main spinners, Bruce Martin and Ish Sodhi to taste some success in the second innings.
Left-arm orthodox Martin and debutant leg spinner Sodhi appeared ordinary in the first innings taking just one wicket between them so far.
It triggered criticism back home with the fans starting to debate if they are made for this level.
However, Rutherford said that they did not bowl that bad and assisted their seam bowlers to take wickets by building pressure on the Bangladeshi batsmen.
‘I think the way it happened was that the spinners created some pressure and the seamers came and took wickets,’ he said.
‘Sometimes it goes like that and the other times it might go the other way around. Like I said, day five, that’s when the spinners can start taking some wickets.’
The 24-year old opener particularly praised Sodhi, the highly-rated leg spinner, who earned some respect from the batsmen unlike his spin partner, Martin. Sodhi also claimed the vital wicket of Nasir Hossain, who could have been a real threat for New Zealand if he had stayed unbeaten overnight.
‘I think [Sodhi] has bowled well,’ said Rutherford. ‘There are some nerves obviously, but he has an attacking option for us. He will do well.
‘We encourage him to be attacking and let him do his things, there is no point telling him this and that. It’s his first Test so let him enjoy it,’ said Rutherford.
-With New Age input
